The proud parents said they are “very excited” to have the first baby born in 2013.Welcoming Oakley Ray into the world was her big brother Gunner, 2, who was also born at AVRMC and grandparents Trudy and Donald Leonard of Springfield and Terry and Connie Freed of Vilas.

Each year, the La Junta Tribune-Democrat and area businesses sponsor a first baby contest. The winner receives a number of prizes, as well as a story and picture in the newspaper.This year’s sponsors o

f the contest, in addition to the La Junta Tribune-Democrat, are Shear Perfection salon, The Copper Kitchen, The Lighthouse, Mexico City, Take Thyme Away and Once Upon a Thyme, Harris Pharmacy, Sears and Morgan and Sons Glass.